What temperature is too hot for dogs in the UK?
Mikayla Streich
2025-08-22 22:12:26
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Temperatures between 16c – 19c are generally OK to exercise anytime of day but do keep an eye on large and brachycephalic breeds, and any dog that is obese or over 8 years of age or younger than 6 months. The Kennel Club state that temperatures above 20c can cause dogs to become very hot, dehydrated and at risk from heat stroke. The hotter it gets the more risk there is, even if the temperature increases by just 1c. The KC say that any temperature above 25c is a definite NO for all breeds when it comes to walking. So stick to the rule of walking below 20c to be safe during the summer months.
Donnell Leannon
2025-08-13 21:14:45
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Most dogs are comfortable at temperatures between 15-25°C, but this is very much dependent on their age, breed, size, coat length, amount of exercise they're engaging in, health and fitness. Some dogs may struggle to maintain a low body temperature, even in lower temperatures. Is it dangerous to walk your dog on a warm day? Yes, it can be, but it depends on how hot it is and how well your dog copes in warmer weather. Dogs can overheat on hot days, and some dogs can even struggle in warm weather, especially during the midday sun. However, early morning or evening walking, when it’s cooler, should reduce the risk of heatstroke, depending on the temperature. If it’s too painful for you to place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds then it’s too painful for your dog to walk on. Heatstroke can happen within minutes, which is why it's incredibly important to make sure your dog isn’t too hot when you’re walking them during warm weather. Giving your dog a drink during a walk will help to keep them hydrated and cooler, but heatstroke can still happen, even if they have access to water.
Agustin Hauck
2025-08-02 18:29:13
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While most dogs are comfortable walking between 15c and 25c, individual factors like age, breed, coat type, and fitness level play a significant role in how well they tolerate the heat. Plus 1 to the risk if your dog is less than six-months-old, older than eight-years-old, brachycephalic, obese. Minus 1 if water is available and the area is shaded from the sun. Vets are 4 times more likely to have to treat dogs suffering from heat stroke because they’ve been walked in weather that is too hot. If in doubt remember missing one walk won’t kill your dog but taking a walk in hot weather might. Hot weather can be an unexpected killer for dogs. People underestimate how much harder it is for dogs to cope with than it is for humans because dogs can’t sweat to cool off like we can. More dogs die from hot walks than in hot cars.
Baron Lynch
2025-08-02 14:40:21
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Above 27°C: It’s too dangerous to walk your dog.
Most dogs are comfortable at temperatures between 15-25°C, but this is very much dependent on their age, breed, size, coat length, amount of exercise they're engaging in, health and fitness.
20-23°C: Start to take precautions.
24-26°C: This is risky territory.
As a general rule, walking your dog at any temperature below 20C is ideal.
The hotter the temperature, the higher the risk to your dog.
During the hot summer months, take your dog out before 8am or after 8pm when temperatures cool down.
Temperature guide for walking dogs Here’s how to decide if it’s safe to take your dog for a walk:
Below 12°C: Perfect walking weather!
12-19°C: Safe for most dogs, but keep an eye out for signs of overheating if they’re running around a lot.
Above 27°C: is too hot for dogs.
Buck Wolf
2025-08-02 14:24:59
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When it's 22°C (76°F) outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C (117°F) in environments such as cars or other vehicles, caravans, conservatories or outbuildings, which can be fatal. Heatstroke can occur in hot environments and dogs can die. Never leave dogs in cars or other vehicles, caravans, conservatories or outbuildings in warm weather, even if only for a short while. Brachycephalic (flat-faced, or ‘brachy’) animals are at a greater risk of health problems in hot weather, including being very vulnerable to heatstroke.
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